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Suchitra Banerjee shows off the flowers on her terrace. Picture by Bhubaneswarananda Halder |
Not just on her terrace, balconies, front and backyards, Suchitra Banerjee has planted trees even on the road divider in front of her house. In just three years, she has amassed an enviable collection of plants. In winter, her terrace is colour-coordinated with flower pots and even in monsoon the splash of Hibiscus, Rangans and Jasmines are a sight for sore eyes.
I’ve been a nature lover all my life but started gardening seriously just a few years ago, after my children grew up and got settled in their careers and I had time on my hands. I’ve collected plants from different nurseries and have colourful Roses, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums in winter. At present I have lots of Portulacas that bloom only between 9am and noon everyday.
I go to the terrace every morning to pluck flowers for puja but other than that it breaks my heart to pluck them. However, I do not mind arranging a bouquet for guests who appreciate flowers. I had home science in school and apply the tips I had learnt then to arrange bouquets.
I grow some fruits and vegetables, of which the Papaya tree bears delicious fruits. My children also apply the aloe vera’s extracts on their faces and hair. We had three Coconut trees but municipality workers said their roots obstruct sewerage lines. They asked us to chop the trees or pay a fine so we had to do away with them.
I also plant any seeds on the road divider outside. I’ve planted Ficus, Shojne, Krishnachura, Hasnuhana and Guava trees and it’s very satisfying to watch them grow. It brings a smile to my face to see needy children climbing the Guava tree to eat its fruits.
As told to Brinda Sarkar
If you have a garden you are proud of and tend to yourself, send your contact number to The Telegraph Salt Lake, 6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001 or call 2260-0115 after 3pm or email to saltlake@abpmail.com |
